West Coast defender Reuben Ginbey "has to be" in All-Australian contention, according to his coach Andrew McQualter.
Ginbey is putting together a strong case to be searching for a maiden All-Australian blazer after a stellar Sunday night against Essendon, holding the exciting Nate Caddy goalless for the majority of the contest.
The Eagles have been tasked with some of the toughest jobs in the game, sent to curb the likes of Caddy as well as Aaron Cadman, Jeremy Cameron, Josh Treacy, Charlie Curnow and Nick Larkey.
"I think it was one of Reubs' best games he's played in my opinion … he is as dialled in as anyone I've ever seen, the way he competes and plays," McQualter said.
"He's starting to really win the ball back. He rarely loses a contest, but his ability tonight to win the ball back with 11 or 12 interceptions, that's the next stage to his game.
"This is a young man still building his game, still working out what type of player he's going to become, and I think we saw a huge step forward for him tonight.
"If you just look at his contest work, he has to be [All-Australian]. There are some good players, but I just think Reuben absolutely is one of the best key defenders in the game."
Ginbey recorded 11 intercepts against the Bombers, as well as six score involvements, 17 disposals and five marks. He is averaging 13.3 possessions, 2.7 rebounds 50s, 7.6 intercept disposals, 2.3 tackles, 5.7 spoils and a measly 9.1 percent one-on-one loss rate.
